In the U.S., diesels are sold at least as much on the strength of their performance as their economy – the reverse of the usual dynamic. Which explains why they are almost exclusively found in high-end vehicles like the 2015 Audi Q5. It’s nice that this crossover SUV can deliver 30-something MPG on the highway. But it’s even nicer that it can accelerate to 60 in just over six seconds, too.…

VW’s Jetta sedan hasn’t got a lot of sex appeal. Nothing about it seems automotive centerfold worthy. And yet, it’s a perennial favorite – one of the most successful (in terms of sales and model longevity) cars in its class. If this seems contradictory, it’s not. Think about people you dated in high school and college – and right after college – and compare them with the person you eventually…

Everyone wants to get in on the compact crossover sporty wagon action – even Mercedes, which until recently refrained from entry, preferring instead to concentrate on coupes and sedans and SUVs (all of them built on rear-wheel-drive-based layouts). But there is a lot of money to be made selling small crossovers. Ask Audi – or BMW. Mercedes, understandably, wanted a piece. Hence the new GLA. It’s a direct shot aimed at Audi…

I’m still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Two “shoes,” actually. The first – as regards the Mazda3 – is the Sky-D diesel engine that was supposed to have been available last year that’s still not available so far (as of mid-Feb.) this year. Which is frustrating, because it’s so tantalizing. The Sky-G (gas-engined) 3 is capable of more than 40 MPG on the highway. Imagine what a Sky-D 3…

Should Toyota be worried? I think so, yes. Because anyone who takes the time to cross-shop the new Hyundai Sonata will find it harder to justify buying a Camry – which though still a good car is no longer the obviously best car in this class. People are beginning to notice this. It’s not merely that the Hyundai costs less (though it still does). Nor that it’s got a much…

Our time seems to be one of role reversal. Bruce Jenner, for instance. Also diesel engines. They are work truck – and economy car – engines no longer. In the U.S., they are primarily high-end car engines. As in the 7 Series BMW. It’s their biggest, swankiest – and most expensive – sedan. And now you can get it with a diesel engine. Sure, it’s economical to drive. You’ll average…

There’s something weird and cruel about the fact that diesel engines are – for the most part – for the affluent-only. You’d think it’d be the reverse. And it is … in Europe. Over there, more than half the passenger vehicles on the road have diesels under the hood and most models (cars, crossovers, SUVs) offer the option. This is not surprising, given that gas costs about the same per gallon as a decent quality whiskey costs per liter here. But why aren’t diesel engines more commonly available here? Or rather, why are they…

Will I, as an online car colonoscopist, be forced by the FCC to give “equal time” to people outraged by my doubleplusungood articles about Tesla and electric cars generally? Will men in black visit me if I “deny” what they call “climate change” (such a convenient term given that climate changes constantly in whatever direction, so anyone who touts warming or cooling or both is always right) and refuse to publish a rebuttal? This is what’s coming – in the guise of “Net Neutrality.” Which is now, alas, “the law.” Ostensibly – what the…

The American automobile industry has loved Uncle long time now. But it was not always so – at least, not to the extent we’ve come to accept as normal. There was a time – some of you will remember it – when the car companies would actually resist government intrusions into their business, even going so far as to attempt end-running some of Uncle’s edicts. A story (true) comes to mind that will give you an idea how far we’ve come since then. It was 1972 and GM’s Pontiac division – which back then still…

Most people are not liberty-inclined. Not anymore. America has become a nation of, by and for control freaks – populated by the people I style Clovers. If they don’t like something, if they want something, if they don’t want people doing something, they will casually urge that violence be deployed to make the necessary adjustments. This has become so reflexive that it is now unconscious and people – most of them – think nothing of it. Because, truth be told, they don’t think of it at all. Which isn’t an accident. Public (that is, government)…

There is an episode of the TV show Top Gear involving a Prius hybrid and automatic weapons. God, I wish I could afford to do the same to a Tesla. Unfortunately, I (and thee) are too poor to afford a Tesla. But that doesn’t mean we won’t continue to be forced to “help” Elon Musk build these mobile – just barely (and briefly) monuments to crony capitalism. This is a company that bleeds money like a machine-gunned hemophiliac, yet doesn’t die because fresh transfusions are always available. Just last week it was announced the company lost…

Austin Rare Coins

So-So (and So Expensive) Diesels

Today’s Thoughts

Today (11 a.m.) I will be on the Bill Meyer show (FM 106.7 & AM-1440 KMED Radio ). Tune in, if you can – and if you can’t I’ll have the recorded version up on site sometime later this week. I should also have my most recent appearance on The Tom Woods Show available shortly. Things are picking up! I have been guzzling coffee and this NOX Xplode weight lifting stuff (probably a spoonful dissolved in water is equivalent to four concentrated Starbucks “Tall” Espressos. It keeps me alert. Thanks go out to…

“Creating Jobs”

While waiting for a dentist appointment, I was listening to a news report about NewYork City being on “lockdown” because of snow. Only the official vehicles of the anointed were at liberty to be out and about. Ordinary citizens were subject to arrest merely for daring to attempt travel. It reminded me of the old Soviet…

I get lots of e-mails from new readers asking what a “Clover” is. I explain that it’s several things. In general terms, a Clover is an authoritarian collectivist. He can be of the Left or Right persuasion. A Democrat or a Republican. Those are superficialities (though many get hung up on them regardless). The fundamental thing…

If you grew up in the pre-Interwebs, pre-computer world, you’ll remember how often cars needed This or That. Which is probably why people were more aware of car maintenance in those days. You really didn’t have much choice. Today, it’s easy to neglect maintenance stuff because there’s less to do – and less often. Spark plugs…

Car salesmen are… salesmen. Their job is to sell you stuff. Whether you need it or not. Here are some things you don’t need – and some things you need to know about: * You probably don’t need the optional engine – Wanting more power is one thing; paying extra for power you don’t need…

Highway Patrol Error Results In Hellish Roadside Experience For Classic Car Owner A string of errors on the part of troopers with the Nevada Highway Patrol resulted in a humiliating and frightening experience last year for a couple from Washington cruising down the highway in their classic 1962 Chevy Impala. Now, the couple, Robin and…

A grandmother in Fresno, California was left with several fractured bones and a dislocated shoulder after being attacked by a police officer for the crime of trying to deliver cupcakes to her grandchildren. 78-year-old Mary Poole was attempting to give the treats to the children while they were at Kastner Intermediate School. Poole opted to…

This is a classic – the Ambulance Clover. Won’t move over, even for an emergency vehicle with flashing lights. Made the ambulance pass him on the right. Because Clover never moves over. Not even for an ambulance with lights flashing and siren wailing. Clover’s in no hurry… Just be glad it’s not you (or someone…

Here’s another left-lane/won’t-move-over Clover, driving (of course) his Lexus “sport sedan”: What is it with Clovers and “sport sedans”? It’s like Liberace with a copy of Penthouse. What’s the point? At first, the Clover paced the car to his right, preventing anyone from passing. Then, Clover sped up (don’t Clovers oppose speeeeeeeeeeeeeeding?). But Clover would…

I got stuck behind this slug the other day: The lead Clover is way ahead of him; 5-6 car lengths (at 40 MPH). This makes it damned hard to get around the lead Clover. It seems they like to work together to “keep you safe.”! If you value independent media, please support independent media. We…